Kaka‘ako, Nimitz enforcement to keep state lands safe
Posted on Nov 29, 2017 in Capitol Connection, FeaturedGov. David Ige has pledged more enforcement efforts to keep public areas such as the Kaka‘ako Makai parks and Nimitz Viaduct pedestrian areas open to the public. The governor said teams are working compassionately and in accordance with applicable laws to maintain state lands and to allow unimpeded public access.
Governor Ige discusses the recent clean-up at the Nimitz Viaduct
The Kaka‘ako parks have suffered extensive damage to plumbing, power poles and landscaping. In October, enforcement action resulted in the movement of about 180 people from the Kaka‘ako parks and surrounding areas. “The situation that led to the park closures is unacceptable,” the governor said. “We will continue to make changes as necessary to maintain access to and safety in our public spaces.”
The enforcement steps include the state’s deputy sheriffs making sure no one is in the parks after hours and surveillance cameras and fencing along Nimitz.
The Hawai‘i Community Development Authority is procuring private security, which will work with law enforcement after the park is reopened. Further, the recently cleared area along the Nimitz corridor has been secured and turned over to HART and the county for maintenance and enforcement.
Public can comment on OCCC site
The public has until Jan. 8, 2018 to comment on the preferred site of a new Oahu Community Correctional Center (OCCC) at the state’s Animal Quarantine Station area in Halawa Valley. The governor said the new facility would relieve long-standing overcrowding and would be more secure and efficient. The draft Environmental Impact Statement is available for comment at health.hawaii.gov/oeqc/ (scroll to “Online Library of EISs”).